One of the things I love most about esports is how inclusive it is. I have had the privilege of coaching students who may not have connected with traditional athletics but found a home in our program. A moment that stands out was the 2022 NMAA State Championship, when our Madden 23 competitor, Isaac Sedillo, placed 4th in the state while proudly representing our special needs community. It is a memory we will both carry for the rest of our lives.
Competition has always been part of my life. Growing up surrounded by high-level sports taught me to appreciate the details of individual performance, and I’ve carried that into my coaching career. Building and leading teams that compete at the highest levels in the Southwest is something I am very proud of. We value fun, but we are also fiercely competitive and committed to testing our skills.
Esports continues to grow rapidly in New Mexico, and our program is proud to be part of that rise. In 2023, La Cueva Esports celebrated its first Division 1 scholarship recipient when Eli Hajagos was selected by New Mexico State Esports for Rocket League. Our numbers continue to expand, and it has been especially exciting to see more female players joining the program, growing from just one participant in 2020 to fifteen today.
